GDC11: SN System debuts NGP dev environment

Sony Computer Entertainment's tech subsidiary SN Systems is now distributing a new software development environment for the NGP.

Designed around feedback from SN System's global network of game development customers, the tech includes a range of features specifically tailoured towards creating games for the successor to the PSP and PSPgo.

The NGP development environment, which will be available to all registered studios, includes a new distributed build system, a unique compiler and linker toolchain and a debugger created in conjunction with SCE Worldwide Studios Advanced Technology Group and SCEE R&D, and promises to deliver on accessibility and improvements to iteration and workflow.

As detailed in a statement to the press issued at GDC, the NGP development environment will include:

• ProDG DebuggerRepresenting a major step forward in improving workflow and iteration times, the ProDG Debugger is fully integrated into Visual Studio allowing game title developers of all disciplines to build and debug their NGP code.

• Razor - ProfilingCo-developed with experts from SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) Advanced Technology Group and SCEE R&D. Razor allows game title developers to analyse and profile code to ensure performance is optimum. Fully integrated into Visual Studio, it provides analysis for both the CPU and GPU (including GPU debugging) within one framework, helping you to identify bottlenecks and eliminate conflicts within your code.

• SNC ToolchainPlayStation game title developers will also benefit from the SNC toolchain, a bespoke compiler and linker which has already established itself as the default compiler on PlayStation3 and PSP.

• NeighborhoodTo simplify the accessibility of the development kits for NGP, you can configure devkits and execute games from within Windows Explorer.